DEAR MENLO CHURCH,

The past few weeks, we have been studying the apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossian church. In the first chapter, Paul tells this young church that he has “not stopped praying for them,” and he “continually asks God to fill them up with the knowledge of his will.” Then, in chapter four, he exhorts the church to pray as well.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” - Colossians 4:2

I was asked recently about our church’s prayer strategy. Now, I am actually a big fan of strategy and I believe in prayer, but for some reason I had never put those words together. I tend to pray when I get stuck, have a need, or when it's expected. These are not bad reasons to pray, but they seem to fall short of being devoted to prayer.

What would it mean if we were “devoted” to prayer? What might happen in our lives? In our families? In our communities? We live in a world where self-sufficiency is prized. Prayers of gratitude remind us that we are dependent creatures. Prayers of watchfulness invite us to open our eyes to God’s work in the world.

“You do not have because you do not ask God.” - James 4:2

What if, like Paul, we prayed to be filled up with knowledge of God’s will? What if prayer preceded the application of our human wisdom and strength to problems and challenges? How much more would God do in our hearts and our world if we sought his will and strength before applying our own?

Let’s be a church where we pray as much as we plan, where we rely more on God’s wisdom and strength than our own, where we are devoted to fostering a deep relationship with Jesus so that we become more like him.

And speaking of prayer, I invite you to pray over all the items in this newsletter. May God’s will be done as we invite friends and neighbors to our campuses for Halloween events, as we learn and grow in Menlo Labs, and as we call people to faith and baptism. And may God draw close to you as you seek his will with watchful and grateful hearts.

Blessings,
Scott Palmbush
Acting Head of Staff

REGISTER TO ATTEND A LAB!
Starting Next Week | Build relationships, while you learn and have fun! Join in small, interactive groups over five-to-six weeks to tackle a wide range of informative topics, including parenting, finances, marriage, justice, and more. You’re sure to find a Lab or two to love. DETAILS + REGISTER

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN WITH US
If you're in the Bay Area, bring your kids, friends, and family for a fun and safe Trick-Or-Treat Extravaganza! Each campus will be celebrating with plenty of candy and lots of interactive activities that are sure to appeal to the entire community! DETAILS + VOLUNTEER

AFFIRM YOUR FAITH BY GETTING BAPTIZED
Sunday, Nov.13 | If you’ve recently become a follower of Jesus or have never been baptized, experience God’s grace by taking the next step and getting baptized as an outward affirmation of your inner faith in Jesus Christ. LEARN MORE